Residents concerned about construction on roadways in Estero

ESTERO, Fla. (WINK)—Construction, traffic and headaches are mounting as development in Estero rages on, raising concerns about how much growth is too much.

Peter Henderson moved to Estero from Cape Coral after recent hurricanes, seeking distance from the water. He lived in an old house on a canal in southeast Cape Coral for 15 years before relocating.

"I'm reflecting on my experience in Cape Coral, because I was there 15 years," Henderson said. "Cape Coral has grown so rapidly, one might argue, out of control development that I see similar projects emerging."

Henderson pointed to the Corkscrew Road corridor as a specific area of concern. Driving down the roadway, construction and new subdivisions dominate the landscape.

The massive 2,700-acre Kingston development is taking shape far east on Corkscrew Road in Lee County. Developer Cameratta Companies says more than 1,100 homes will be built, but 60% of the land will become restored wetlands and green space.

"It's definitely too fast, too soon," said Doug Dean, a resident riding his bike in Estero.

Dean's wife works as a biologist at the college, and losing wildlife habitat is one of his biggest concerns. The animals are getting displaced, he said.

A spokesperson for Taylor Morrison Homes, one builder within the Kingston development, told WINK News that a large portion of the land has been preserved. The partnership with the National Wildlife Federation allows the company to thoughtfully safeguard natural wetlands and incorporate native plants and keystone species into the overall community landscape of Esplanade at Kingston.

Allan Bowditch is with Engage Estero, a community group that regularly holds open houses with community leaders and neighbors. The rapid growth of Estero is a major concern, he said.

"The Lee County Commissioners are responsible for evaluating the plan developments in what's called unincorporated Lee County," Bowditch said. "So that's from the area of the Estero boundary, east and north."

If the developer already owns the land, stopping or slowing growth becomes extremely difficult. When there's high demand and builders have the ability to build on acquired land, even within Estero itself, the same issue applies, Bowditch said.

Henderson has a warning for county leaders and developers about the pace of development. Florida is a state of booms and busts, and unfinished projects can result from various problems.

"Houses won't sell if they're not enough; if there's no water and sewer, they won't sell if they can't get to work or to the beach or whatever activities they want to go to," Henderson said. "So I think it's important to be thoughtful about development and wildlife."

Engage Estero is hosting a free public forum at Florida Gulf Coast University from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The forum gives residents the opportunity to talk to experts and get a better understanding of the community's development, infrastructure, sustainability and quality of life.